Prevention of Flash Fires & Related Injuries

To prevent flash fires and other injuries relating to hydrogen gas, OSHA recommends that employers take the following steps:

• Train workers on proper purging procedures and the dangers related to hydrogen gas. Ensure that training procedures cover fully purging hydrogen from the work site using carbon dioxide or other suitable inert gas, as well as purging that gas with ambient air.
• Draft written procedures for safety in confined and enclosed spaces.
• Train all employees to follow manufacturer's recommendations for equipment used during purging procedures.
• Train workers on how to use both fixed and portable hydrogen monitoring equipment to determine that no hydrogen gas is present before entry to a confined workspace and throughout the completion of the maintenance task.
• Make sure that workers use gas detectors in areas where hydrogen gas accumulates.
• Create and ensure that workers follow ignition control procedures.

The foregoing guidelines are designed to help employers identify and control the risks that hydrogen poses in the workplace. Employers are also required to follow all the other applicable standards and regulations that apply to their industries and work sites.

To learn more about Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety visit our Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety Online Training web page.